Surgical treatment of azoospermia caused by iatrogenic injury to bilateral vas deferens / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To investigate the treatment of azoospermia induced by iatrogenic injury to the bilateral vas deferens.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively analyzed 11 cases of azoospermia caused by iatrogenic injury to bilateral vas deferens. The patients were aged 20－33 years, all diagnosed with azoospermia preoperatively and none with a history of pelvic operation. Seven of them had received bilateral inguinal hernia repair and the other 4 undergone bilateral orchidopexy in the childhood.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Intraoperative exploration of the bilateral inguinal region was performed in all the patients. Bilateral vas deference atresia was found in the inguinal canal in 6 cases, which was treated by microscopic vasovasostomy following removal of the atresic segment. Vas deferens residual was observed in or near the deep inguinal ring in the other 5 cases, with the distal vas deferens inaccessible, which was treated by bilateral vasovasostomy in 3 cases and unilateral vasovasostomy in 2 (for longer defect segment than could be anastomosed) following combined laparoscopic exploration of the abdominal cavity. The patients were followed up for 3－12 months postoperatively, during which sperm were detected in 7 cases, with sperm concentration ranging from 0.4×10⁶/ml to 35×10⁶/ml and grade a+b sperm from 15% to 46%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For the diagnosis of azoospermia, especially in patients with no history of pelvic operation, special attention should be paid to iatrogenic injury to the vas deferens. For the treatment of the disease, non-tension vasovasostomy is essential and, when necessary, the vas deferens can be reconstructed by changing its anatomical path and shortening its length.</p>

Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy for refractory or recurrent hemospermia: clinical analysis of 162 cases / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the feasibility and effect of transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of refractory or recurrent hemospermia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively analyzed 162 cases of refractory or recurrent hemospermia examined and treated by transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy. The patients ranged in age from 19 to 76 years and had a hemospermia history of 3 months to 11 years, admitted due to poor therapeutic results or recurrence after 4 weeks of antibiotic medication. All the patients underwent serum PSA examination, transrectal ultrasonography, seminal vesicle ultrasonography and pelvis CT or MRI before surgery.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Wine- or magenta-colored colloid and inflammation were found in one or both sides of the seminal vesicle in all the cases. Pathological biopsy revealed chronic inflammatory mucosa of the seminal vesicle in all the patients, and even calculi in the ejaculatory duct or seminal vesicle in 15 cases. Postoperative follow-up averaged 21.7 (12 -29) months. Hemospermia disappeared or was alleviated in 150 (92.64%) of the cases after 1-15 ejaculations, in which 7 experienced recurrence 3 months later. Four cases failed to respond, and 1 developed acute bilateral epididymitis after surgery. No such complications as retrograde ejaculation, urinary incontinence or rectal injury were observed postoperatively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy is a safe, effective and feasible new method for the treatment of refractory or recrudescent hemospermia.</p>

Efficacy and safety of long-term small-dose tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Erectile dysfunction (ED) is now recognized as a comorbid condition, especially in men with cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus. This randomized controlled trial was to examine the effect of long-term small-dose tadalafil in the treatment of ED.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 98 men older than 18 years with at least a 6-month ED history were enlisted and divided into two groups to receive once-daily treatment with tadalafil at 5 mg (n = 60) and 20 mg (n = 38), respectively, for 12 months. The effects of medication were analyzed and compared using IIEF, Global Assessment Questionnaire (GAQ) and Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP), and so were the safety and tolerance of the two doses.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were no statistically significant differences in the therapeutical results between the 5 mg and 20 mg groups (P < 0.05). The IIEF-5 score was raised by 8.1 points in the former and 7.9 points in the latter; the YES answers to SEP2 in the two groups were 51.3% and 49.2% before the treatment and 82.6% and 84.9% after it. No serious adverse events were observed, except some common ones, such as rubeosis (11.9% vs 8.7%) and headache (5.3% vs 4.9%) in the 5 mg and 20 mg groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Oral tadalafil at 5 mg once daily is efficacious with good tolerance in the treatment of ED, and it can be an alternative to on-demand medication for some men to eliminate the inconvenience of planned intercourse within a limited timeframe.</p>

Long-term efficacy and safety of tamsulosin hydrochloride for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia: data from China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Tamsulosin hydrochloride can significantly improve benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms after the first dose and achieve long-term efficacy in European and American populations; however, the corresponding studies from China are rarely seen. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of tamsulosin hydrochloride 0.2 mg once daily in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of BPH in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Chinese patients with LUTS suggestive of BPH were enrolled in a 4-week placebo run-in period and subsequent 60-week open-label study. Tamsulosin hydrochloride 0.2 mg was administered daily during the period of the study. The efficacy and safety parameters were evaluated at the end of treatment period I (0 - 12 weeks) and period II (13 - 60 weeks). The BPH patients were divided into tamsulosin monotherapy group and combination therapy group which received concomitant medication of finasteride 5 mg once daily after the evaluation at the end of treatment period I.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 113 patients were recruited to the study. Eighty-two patients received tamsulosin monotherapy and twenty-nine received combination therapy during the treatment period II. Tamsulosin hydrochloride produced a great improvement in mean maximum urinary flow rate (Q(max)) (1.7 ml/s, 3 ml/s) and a significant decrease in mean international prostate symptom score (IPSS) (4.1, 6.4) after 12-week and 60-week treatments, respectively. At the end of treatment period II, there were significant improvement in IPSS, quality of life (QOL) score, Q(max) and average flow rate (Q(ave)) for combination therapy group compared with the treatment period I (all P < 0.05). No serious adverse events (SAE) were recorded during the study.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Long-term tamsulosin hydrochloride therapy is a safe, effective and well-tolerated method for the treatment for LUTS suggestive of BPH in China.</p>

Prostate cancer cell line PC-3 conditioned medium promotes proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of prostate cancer cell line PC-3 conditioned medium (PC- 3-CM) on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow human basalis mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>hBMSCs were isolated and culture-expanded by density gradient centrifugation from normal volunteers. PC-3 cells were cultured till the time of logarithmic growth and then transferred to a fresh medium, which, after 24 hours of incubation, was collected as PC-3-CM. Passage 3 hBMSCs were cultured in the fresh medium alone (the control group) or that with 50% PC-3-CM (the experimental group), and the effect of PC-3-CM on the proliferation activity of the hBMSCs was detected by WST-8 assay. Based on the types of medium used, the hBMSCs were divided into Groups I (control), II (50% PC-3-CM), III (osteoblast inducer) and IV (osteoblast inducer containing 50% PC-3 CM). The effects of PC-3-CM on the osteoblastic differentiation of the hBMSCs were determined by ALP staining, ALP activity detection, Von Kossa staining, and calcium quantitation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At 1, 3, 5 and 7 days of incubation, the absorbance values of the cells in the experimental group were 0.4370 +/- 0.0285, 0.7980 +/- 0.0213, 1.9090 +/- 0.0612 and 2.3023 +/- 0.0610, and those in the control group were 0.4060 +/- 0.0223, 0.6643 +/- 0.0075, 1.3727 +/- 0.0176 and 1.7947 +/- 0.0115, respectively, with significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.01) except on day 1 (P > 0.05). The positive rate and intensity of ALP staining were gradually increased in the four groups, with the ALP activities of 0.29 +/- 0.03, 1.30 +/- 0.03, 2.13 +/- 0.08, and 3.80 +/- 0.03, respectively (P < 0.01), and so was the intensity of Von Kossa staining, with the calcium depositions of 0.04 +/- 0.01, 0.44 +/- 0.05, 0.98 +/- 0.03, and 1.27 +/- 0.04, respectively (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PC-3- CM can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.</p>

Induction of prostate cancer-specific CTLs with dendritic cells pulsed by different types of tumor antigens / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effectiveness of freeze-thaw antigens and acid eluted peptide antigens extracted from tumor cell-pulsed dendritic cells (DC) in inducing prostate cancer-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Tumor antigens were extracted from the prostate cancer cell line PC-3 with the repeated freeze-thaw and weak acid elution methods. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured with recombinant human GM-CSF and IL-4 for inducing DCs in vitro. Then the DCs were pulsed with the two kinds of prostate cancer tumor antigens respectively and cultured with T cells for inducing CTLs. The activity of the tumor-specific CTLs were detected by LDH release assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The protein content in the tumor antigens obtained from PC-3 (2 x 10(7)) by citric acid-phosphate buffer elution and that by the repeated freeze-thaw method were (212.2 +/- 7.9) microg and (963.0 +/- 25.3) microg, respectively. The two kinds of prostate cancer antigens-pulsed DCs had a significant role in inducing the PC-3 cell-specific CTLs, and the CTLs induced by acid-eluted peptide antigen-pulsed DCs exhibited an even more significant tumor-specific cytotoxicity than those induced by repeated freeze-thaw ([60.4 +/- 5.52]% vs. [43.7 +/- 4.11]%, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Both the weak acid elution and repeated freeze-thaw methods for extracting prostate cancer antigens can be used for in vitro sensitization of DCs. The DCs pulsed by either of the two kinds of antigens can activate CTLs, and the antigens extracted by weak acid elution are even more effective.</p>

Expressions of the androgen receptor in normal prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the expressions of the androgen receptor (AR) in the normal prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer (PCa), and investigate the relationship of AR with prostatic hyperplasia and PCa.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expressions of AR were detected in 15 normal prostate, 20 benign prostatic hyperplasia and 40 PCa samples by immunofluorescent staining, real-time PCR and Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Real-time PCR and Western blotting revealed no statistically significant differences in the expressions of AR between the normal prostate and prostatic hyperplasia groups (P < 0.05), while immunofluorescent staining exhibited an increase of the expression in the BPH tissues. All the three methods showed that the AR expression was significantly higher in the PCa than in the normal prostate and prostatic hyperplasia groups (P < 0.05), in the well differentiated than in the poorly differentiated tumor, and in the early than in the advanced stage (P < 0.05), but the lowest in the hormone-refractory PCa (HRPC) tissue.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The expression of AR is higher in PCa than in normal prostate and prostatic hyperplasia tissues, and is correlated with the pathological grade and clinical stage of PCa.</p>

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug NS398 induces RECK expression in the animal model of prostate cancer / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the regulatory effect of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug NS398 on the expression of the RECK gene in the animal model of prostate cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Nude mouse models of prostate cancer were divided into an experimental and a control group, the former fed with NS398 at 0.1 mg/g per day for 10, 20 and 30 days, while latter left without medication. All the mice were killed at 30 days, the mRNA expressions of RECK and MMP-9 in the tumor tissues measured by RT-PCR, and the protein level of RECK evaluated by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Both the mRNA and protein expressions of RECK were increased, while the level of MMP-9 decreased, in an obviously time-dependent manner in the experimental group as compared with the control.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>NS398 obviously inhibits the pathogenesis and metastasis of prostate cancer, which may be attributed to its induction of the expression of the RECK gene and suppression of the expression of MMP-9.</p>

Single-port transumbilical laparoscopic nephrectomy: initial clinical experience of 3 cases / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-port transumbilical laparoscopic nephrectomy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From December 2008 to August 2009, we have performed three cases of single-port transumbilical laparoscopic nephrectomy of nonfunctioning renal by Tri-Port system. Among three patients there were two cases of UPJO and one case of upper ureteral obstruction. Involved kidneys were not visualized in IVU and the GFR were not more than 0.90 ml/s. Tri-Port system was inserted transperitoneal through a 2 cm umbilical incision. The flexible grasper, scissors were used in addition to standard laparoscopic equipment. Renal pedicle was divided by Endoscopic Linear Stapling device. Specimens were extracted through the incision.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The first and second case were successful, and the operation time were 85 min and 165 min. The bleeding volume were 50 ml and 100 ml. The discharge time after operation was 3 days and 5 days, respectively. The third case was converted to open surgery because of the edema and adhesion of renal pedicle. At 3 weeks of follow-up, the incisions were hidden in the umbilicus with good cosmetic benefit.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This new method is technically feasible, which combined with these advantages of less trauma and more cosmetic benefit. However, more special instruments and long learning curving may be needed for those surgeons, who are going to carry out it.</p>

Age-specific PSA reference ranges in Chinese men without prostate cancer / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

This study is to determine age-specific prostate-specific antigen (PSA) distributions in Chinese men without prostate cancer (PC) and to recommend reference ranges for this population after comparison with other studies. From September 2003 to December 2006, 9 374 adult men aged from 18 to 96 years agreed to participate in the study. After all cases of PC were excluded, 8 422 adult men participated in statistical analysis and were divided into five age groups. Simple descriptive statistical analyses were carried out and quartiles and 95th percentiles were calculated for each age group. The age-specific PSA reference ranges are as follows: 40-49 years, 2.15 ng mL(-1); 50-59 years, 3.20 ng mL(-1); 60-69 years, 4.10 ng mL(-1); 70-79 years, 5.37 ng mL(-1). The results indicate that the ethnic differences in PSA levels are obvious. The currently adopted Oesterling's age-specific PSA reference ranges are not appropriate for Chinese men. The reference ranges of this study should be more suitable to Chinese men.

Experimental studies of kidney biopsy by natural orifices: transgastric and transvesical combined approach / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the feasibility of kidney biopsy by transgastric and transvesical combined approach in the porcine model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Five female pigs (20 to 30 kg) were included in this study. All procedures were performed with pigs under general anesthesia. The transvesical access was established by the ureteroscope. Then monitored by ureteroscopy, the transgastric access was established by a needle knife with cautery. The puncture dilation was performed with balloon through the gastroscope. The vesical hole was enlarged with the dilator of ureteroscope sheath. The kidney biopsy was finished by the scissor from the transvesical access and the grasping forcep from the work channel of gastroscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among five cases the procedure were successful in three cases with 380 min, 180 min, 78 min respectively. Establishment of transvesical and transgastric accesses took place without complications. The exposure and biopsy of the kidney were easily achieved during operation. The transgastric and transvesical access were not closed in the end.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This new method is a technically feasible procedure in a porcine model. But the safety and the clinical future of it needs more study.</p>

Clinicopathologic features and molecular genetic analysis of multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the clinicopathological features and molecular genetic changes of multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma (MCRCC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>All the data reviewed were from the files of pathology department of Changhai hospital collected from 1990 to 2006. In totally 706 cases of renal cell carcinoma studied, there were 21 MCRCC cases identified. The clinical and pathological features were assessed, immunohistochemical staining was performed, and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and microsatellite instability (MSI) were assessed using four microsatellite markers on chromosomes 3, 9 and 14.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 21 patients, the age ranged from 34 to 72 years (mean 50 years), 19 were male and two female. Tumors were found incidentally in 18 patients during physical examination, three patients had anemia or microhematuria. Among the 21 patients, 10 tumors were in the left kidney and 11 in the right. Eighteen patients were stage T1, two stage T2, and one stage T3 with perinephric tissue involvement. Follow up information was available in 20 patients, all showed no evidence of tumor recurrence or metastasis. Grossly, the tumor size ranged from 0.3 cm to 10.0 cm in the greatest dimension, consisting of multilocular cysts with variable sizes which contained light yellow, colloid or hemorrhagic fluid. The septae varied in thickness (ranged 0.1 cm to 0.5 cm, mean 0.2 cm). Microscopically the cysts were lined by single to multilayered epithelial cells with clear or lightly eosinophilic cytoplasm. There were clusters of clear cells seen in the septae stroma. Sixteen tumors were of Fuhrman grade 1, and five were of Fuhrman grade 2. Immunohistochemically, the clear cells were positive for vimentin, ABC, CAM5.2 and EMA. Six samples were positive for CD10, and 16 were positive for NSE. Among 21 patients, PCR amplification was successful in 11 patients. Microsatellite alterations were found in five patients. LOH was observed in 3 of 11 MCRCC (27%), two were at D3S1560 locus, and one at D14S617 locus. MSI frequency was identified in 2 of 11 MCRCC (18%), locating at D9S168 or D14S617 locus, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>MCRCC is an uncommon tumor of kidney, constituting 2.9% of all RCC enrolled into the study. It has distinctive clinical and pathological characteristics with an excellent outcome. Results indicated that MCRCC is a rare entity with low malignant potential.</p>

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug NS398 regulates the RECK gene expression in the prostate carcinoma strain DU145 / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To investigate the regulative effect of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug NS398 on the RECK gene in the prostate carcinoma strain DU145.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>DU145 was treated with various concentrations of NS398 for 48 hours. The mRNA level was measured by RT PCR technique and the expression of the RECK protein determined by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mRNA level of the RECK gene was obviously higher, while the MMP9 level markedly lower in the treated group than in the control, and so was the expression of the RECK protein.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>NS398 induces the expression of the RECK gene, which might be the mechanism of its anti-tumor effect.</p>

Volumes of total prostate and transitional zone are positively correlated with age in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the total prostate volume (TPV) and prostate transitional zone volume (TZV) in different age groups of benign prostatic hyperplasia patients, calculate the transitional zone index (TZI), and analyze correlation of age with the above parameters.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We divided 1,563 BPH patients into 4 age groups (50-59, 60-69, 70-79 and 80-89 y), measured their TPV and TZV by rectal ultrasonography, calculated their TZI and evaluated all the data obtained by statistical analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The TPV, TZV and TZI of the BPH patients were shown to be (32.27 +/- 15.76) ml, (9.55 +/- 98) ml and 0.28 +/- 0.13 in the 50-59 y group; (40.93 +/- 17.45) ml, (14.94 +/- 11.83) ml and 0.34 +/- 0. 16 in the 60-69 y group; (46.56 +/- 20.31) ml, (19.54 +/- 19.25) ml and 0.39 +/- 0.16 in the 70-79 y group; and (47.85 +/- 26.63) ml, (20.40 +/- 16.78) ml and 0.41 +/- 0.19 in the 80-89 y group. Both TPV and TZV were positively correlated with the patients' age, (r1 = 0.232, r2 = 0.256).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TPV and TZV increase with age in BPH patients, the latter even more obviously than the former.</p>

Suppression of invasion and angiogenesis in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells by adenovirus-mediated co-transfer of PTEN and P27 / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of adenovirus-mediated PTEN and P27 on the invasion of PC-3 in vitro and angiogenesis, along with their synergy in the treatment of prostate cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Recombinant adenovirus vectors of the human tumor suppressor genes PTEN and P27 were constructed. The replication-incompetent recombinant adenovirus was packaged and propagated in HEK293 cells. The viral titer was examined by plaque assay and the mRNA and protein expressions of PTEN and P27 in human prostate cancer cell line PC-3 infected with Ad-PTEN and Ad-P27 were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. The invasion of PC-3 cells in vitro was examined by Boyden chamber assay. MTT assay was used to testify the effect of supernatant from PC-3 infected with Ad-PTEN and Ad-P27 on the proliferation of endothelial cells ECV-304 and the CAM test was used to testify the effect of PTEN and P27 on angiogenesis. The difference between the combined therapy group and the single gene therapy group was also examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The viral titers of Ad-PTEN and Ad-P27 were 1.8 x 10(7) pfu/ml and 1.2 x 10(9) pfu/ml respectively. Adenovirus infection verified that the mRNA and protein expression of PTEN and P27 were steady in human PC-3 cells. The invasion in vitro of PC-3 cells was significantly inhibited by infection with Ad-PTEN or/and Ad-P27. CAM and MTT assays of ECV-304 confirmed that the supernatant from PC-3 cells infected with Ad-PTEN or/and Ad-P27 could inhibit the angiogenesis effectively. There was a significant difference between the combined therapy group and the single gene therapy group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The combined gene therapy of Ad-PTEN and Ad-P27 plays a synergistic role in inhibiting the invasiveness of PC-3 cells and angiogenesis.</p>

Plasma endothelin-1 in patients with prostate cancer and its clinical significance / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) level in patients with prostate cancers and its clinical significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Plasma ET-1 level was measured by radioimmunoassay in 31 patients of prostate cancer (23 with non-HRPC, 8 with HRPC) and 26 patients of BPH.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with each other of the ET-1 level, there were no significant difference among the BPH group,non-HRPC group and HRPC group. No significant difference was found either between bone metastasis (BM) and non- BM, between high and middling differentiation prostate cancer group, as well as in different PSA level groups (P >0.05). But the ET-1 level in low differentiation prostate cancer was notably lower than those of the high and middle respectively (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>To detect plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) level is not a useful method to evaluate the development and the prognosis of prostate cancer.</p>

Association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms in estrogen receptor beta gene and risk of prostate cancer / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship of some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) with the risk of prostate cancer (CaP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The allele, genotype distribution in an association study with case-control samples involving 40 CaP cases and 86 unrelated healthy male subjects was analyzed. In these individuals, three upstream regions of the proximal ER promoter SNPs (rs3829768, rs1271572, rs3841304) and exon 7 SNP (rs1256049) were analyzed by directly sequencing amplified PCR products of genomic DNA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Four polymorphisms were identified. The rs3841304 was excluded from further analysis because of significant deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The genotype and allele frequency of rs3829768 (A/G) and rs1271572 (C/A) in the upstream region of proximal promoter were significantly decreased in the CaP cases versus control (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our study suggests that this disease of interest is highly associated with rs3829768 (A/G) and rs1271572 (C/A) in CaP cases. CaP, prostate cancer; ERalpha, estrogen receptor alpha; ERbeta, estrogen receptor beta; SNP, Single nucleotide polymorphisms; betaERKO, ERbeta knockout; PIN, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia; HWE, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium; NRE, Negative Regulatory Element.</p>

Expression and significance of the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor RECK gene in prostate cell strains / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression and significance of RECK gene and MMP-9 in prostate cell strains such as BPH-1, DU45, LNCaP and PC-3.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of mRNA of RECK and MMP-9 was measured by RT-PCR and RECK protein was evaluated by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mRNA level of the RECK gene in the prostate carcinoma cell strains, such as DU45, LNCaP and PC-3, was lower than that in the benign prostate hyperplasia cell line BPH-1, while MMP-9 had a higher expression. The protein level of RECK in DU-45, LNCaP and PC-3 was lower than that in the BPH-1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The RECK gene is supposed to be a kind of tumor suppressor gene, which may act by inhibiting the activity of MMP-9.</p>

Study of baicalin in inducing prostate cancer cell line DU145 apoptosis in vitro / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The purpose of the present study was to investigate the in vitro effects of baicalin on induction of apoptosis in human prostate cancer cell line DU145.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Human prostate cancer cell line DU145 was treated with different concentration of baicalin in vitro. The apoptosis rate was determined by FACS analysis, cell cycle distribution was detected by flow cytometry, morphological changes and protein analysis were determined by means of electron microscope techniqueand immunohistochemical techniquerespectively.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>50micromol x L(-1) and 125 micromol x L(-1) of baicalin dose-dependently induced apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of prostate cancer cell DU145 in a dose and time-dependent manner. DNA flow cytometric analysis indicated that baicalin induced a arrest in G1 phase, showing a typical apoptosis peak. Electron microscopy detected a characteristic appearance of the apoptotic cells morphology. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that induction of apoptosis by ways of inhibition of the bcl-2, loss of the Bax, and upregulation of Fas.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results indicate that baicalin may induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of prostate cancer cells, and has direct anti-tumor effects on human prostate cancer cells.</p>

PTEN and p27Kip1 have a cooperative role on inhibition proliferation, modulation of cell cycle and inducing apoptosis in prostate cancer PC-3 cell / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To investigate whether the human PC-3 cell infected with recombinant Ad-PTEN and Ad-p27Kip1 can steadily produce PTEN and p27Kip1 protein and change the biologic behaviors such as cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis. The synergistic effect of PTEN and p27Kip1 on the therapy for prostate cancer has also been investigated.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We constructed recombinant adenovirus vector of human tumor suppressor gene PTEN and p27Kip1. The viral titer was examined by plaque assay and the mRNA and protein expressions of PTEN and p27Kip1 in human prostate cancer cell line PC-3 infected with Ad-PTEN and Ad-p27Kip1 were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively. MTT assay was used to determine the effect of PTEN and p27Kip1 on growth and proliferation of PC-3 cell; the change of cell cycle and apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry, and to compare between the combined therapy group and single gene therapy group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The viral titers of Ad-PTEN and Ad-p27Kip1 were 1.8 x 10(7) pfu/ml and 1.2 x 10(9) pfu/ml respectively. After infected by adenovirus, it had been verified that the mRNA and protein expression of PTEN and p27Kip1 were steady in human PC-3 cell. Ad-PTEN and Ad-p27 Kip1 inhibited the growth and proliferation of PC-3 cells. The progression of cell cycle of PC-3 cell was arrested in G(0)-G(1) phase, meanwhile the apoptosis rate of PC-3 was also affected after Ad-PTEN or/and Ad-p27 Kip1 infected. There was significant difference between combined therapy group and single gene therapy group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The recombinant Ad-PTEN and Ad-p27Kip1 vector were constructed successfully and the expression of specific PTEN and p27Kip1 was high, steadily in PC-3 cell line. These results suggested that combination of PTEN with p27Kip1 has an application value in treatment of prostate cancer in future.</p>